City of Independence, Oregon

It was a full house at Mayor Kate’s town hall on Saturday, with residents packing the room to take part in an open discussion about the city’s future. The conversation centered on three key topics: the city’s budget and its upcoming adoption process, opportunities for residents to serve on boards and commissions, and an exciting announcement that the Wall That Heals, a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica, will visit Independence on September 18–21, 2025. Beyond the planned agenda, residents seized the opportunity to ask a wide range of questions, gaining insight into how city government operates and how they can make an impact. One attendee summed up the event’s energy: “It’s great to hear directly from our mayor and city staff about what’s happening. I left with a much better understanding of how decisions are made and how I can get involved.” Additionally, Mayor Kate announced that these town halls will now be held monthly, ensuring residents have ongoing opportunities to connect, ask questions, and stay informed. If you missed this event, there are still plenty of ways to engage with Mayor Kate. She holds weekly office hours every Wednesday from 8:30–10:00 AM in the Ash Creek Conference Room at the Independence Civic Center. You can also reach her anytime at [email protected]. Thank you to everyone who attended—please share this information with your friends and neighbors and help keep the conversation going!

Last night marked a meaningful moment of transition and gratitude for our community. We officially swore in three city councilors— Bill Boisvert, Dawn Roden, and Kathy Martin-Willis—who are ready to bring their unique perspectives and dedication to serving our town. We also expressed our heartfelt thanks to departing councilor Sarah Jobe and outgoing Mayor McArdle for their years of service and the lasting contributions they have made to our community. A special congratulations to Kate Schwarzler, our newly sworn-in mayor, who steps into this role with a clear vision for fostering connection, collaboration, and unity. As we move forward with this dynamic new leadership team, we’re inspired by the possibilities for our community. Let’s work together to make this new chapter a success and continue building a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving city.

As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re reflecting on the progress, collaboration, and shared achievements that defined this year in Independence. From improving our parks and enhancing infrastructure to keeping our community informed and engaged, 2024 was a year of meaningful strides forward. These accomplishments are a testament to the collective efforts of our residents, city staff, and partners who are committed to shaping a vibrant, connected future. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making Independence a place where innovation meets community spirit. We’re excited for what’s ahead in 2025 and look forward to continuing this journey together. Here’s to building on success, creating opportunities, and fostering even deeper connections in the year to come.

The city of Independence is soliciting proposals from well-qualified vendors to operate on an exclusive basis a beer and wine concession tent at the River’s Edge Summer Series. Learn more and submit here:

Earlier this year, we were tasked with sharing the story of rural, multimodal transportation challenges at the Oregon Active Transportation Summit...so we phoned home for inspiration. Our goal was to take a complex issue, like the need for rural transit options, and make it engaging and accessible by blending humor, heart, and a touch of pop culture. Let us know how we did! How does your city or agency communicate big ideas to your community?

Last week, Independence had the privilege of hosting Business Oregon for their staff retreat. Mayor McArdle and city staff led a presentation and walking tour, sharing the transformative projects that have revitalized our downtown and continue to drive our progress. The group explored key landmarks, including The Independence Hotel, Indy Commons, and the Old City Hall building, which embody our community’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and preserving history while creating future opportunities. We are grateful to Business Oregon for choosing Independence and for their dedication to supporting communities across the state. Together, we’re building a brighter, more connected future for all Oregonians.

The city of Independence is hiring an Accountant II. Under the Finance Director's supervision, Accountant II is responsible for accounts payable, payroll accounting and reporting, business licenses, and supporting tasks like cash receipts and accounts receivable. Work is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal controls. This role supports the city's financial functions, ensuring compliance with regulations, proper audit trails, and internal control procedures. Learn more and apply here:

The city of Independence is pleased to announce the appointment of Myra Russell as the new City Recorder. Russell, a resident of Independence, has been with the city for over six years, starting her journey in 2018 as an accountant/payroll specialist. Since then, she has expanded her role, adding court administration to her duties and becoming an integral part of the city’s operations. Russell’s decision to work for the city of Independence was driven by her desire to serve the local community. “I wanted to work closer to home and contribute to the community,” she explained. Her family’s deep roots in the area, including her grandparents who farmed the fields, further fueled her commitment to serving her hometown. In her new role as City Recorder, Russell looks forward to embracing new challenges and expanding her skill set. “I’ve always enjoyed learning new things, and I’m excited about the variety of tasks the City Recorder position offers,” she said. She aims to bring the same dedication and adaptability to this role that has defined her work with payroll and court administration. As she steps into this new role, Russell is eager to engage with residents and ensure their needs are met. “If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it,” she said, emphasizing her dedication to transparency and service. Russell holds a degree in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University and has a wealth of experience, having worked her way up from a bagger to a position in the corporate finance department at Roth’s. Outside of her professional life, Russell enjoys building with Legos and creating stained glass art. The city of Independence is excited to welcome Myra Russell into this important position and looks forward to her continued contributions to the community.

Original release courtesy of the League of Oregon Cities BEND, Ore. – The League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) prestigious Mark O. Hatfield Statesmanship Award was presented to Independence Mayor John McArdle during the LOC’s 99th Annual Conference in Bend. The award is presented to a deserving “statesman” who has provided lasting benefits to the quality of life for Oregon citizens. One of the longest-tenured mayors in Oregon, Mayor McArdle is a selfless leader who convenes, leads challenging conversations, then generates momentum for achieving goals. Throughout his 26 years leading Independence, Mayor McArdle has advocated for community-led initiatives, which include broad vision plans and citizen guidance. Mayor McArdle has also led the completion of numerous downtown enhancements, including construction of a new library, an amphitheater, an eight-screen cinema, and the redevelopment of the downtown streetscape. Twenty years ago, recognizing the importance of connectivity to his city’s future, Mayor McArdle guided a partnership with the neighboring city of Monmouth to create MINET, bringing high speed internet to every home and business in the two communities. An enthusiastic ambassador for local government, Mayor McArdle has worked tirelessly to help educate, prepare and connect elected officials throughout the state. He frequently hosts city officials to exchange ideas and travels across the state to help city councils overcome differences and work together. Mayor McArdle has been an outstanding ambassador for the League of Oregon Cities and Oregon Mayors Association, serving each as a board member and president. His LOC service includes numerous policy committees, testifying at the Legislature, and overseeing the LOC Foundation.

The city of Independence, Oregon is hiring a Records Technician to serve in our police department. This position assists the police department Office Manager in processing and maintaining police reports, citations, arrests, and related files. They serve as the first point of contact for the public at the front counter and on the phone, assisting or directing them to the appropriate resource or person. They also provide support for tasks typically handled by sworn officers within the police department. They must understand laws and regulations related to public records and privacy, and have a general knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules. The job closes on October 18, 2024. Learn more and apply here: